title: Comparison of circumferential pelvic sheeting versus the T-POD on unstable pelvic injuries: A cadaveric study of stability.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Commercially available binder devices are commonly used in the acute treatment of pelvic fractures, while many advocate simply placing a circumferential sheet for initial stabilization of such injuries. We sought to determine whether or not the T-POD would provide more stability to an unstable pelvic injury as compared to circumferential pelvic sheeting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Unstable pelvic injuries (OTA type 61-C-1) were surgically created in five fresh, lightly embalmed whole human cadavers. Electromagnetic sensors were placed on each hemi-pelvis. The amount of angular motion during testing was measured using a Fastrak, three-dimensional, electromagnetic motion analysis device (Polhemus Inc., Colchester, VT). Either a T-POD or circumferential sheet was applied in random order for testing. The measurements recorded in this investigation included maximum displacements for sagittal, coronal, and axial rotation during application of the device, bed transfer, log-rolling, and head of bed elevation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no differences in motion of the injured hemi-pelvis during application of either the T-POD or circumferential sheet. During the bed transfer, log-rolling, and head of bed elevation, there were no significant differences in displacements observed when the pelvis was immobilized with either a sheet or pelvic binder (T-POD).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A circumferential pelvic sheet is more readily available, costs less, is more versatile, and is equally as efficacious at immobilizing the unstable pelvis as compared to the T-POD. We advocate the use of circumferential sheeting for temporary stabilization of unstable pelvic injuries.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas, Houston, TX, United States. Electronic address: markprasarn@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Mark L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Prasarn
authors.forename: Bryan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Conrad
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Small
authors.forename: MaryBeth
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Horodyski
authors.forename: Glenn R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Rechtine
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D019245:Compressive Strength; D016267:External Fixators; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D007103:Immobilization / Q000379:methods; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000517:prevention & control; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography
keywords: Binder; Fracture; Immobilization; Pelvic; Sheeting; Stability